Minor

Graduate Programs

The Department of Kinesiology is one of Missouri State's largest and most diverse departments, offering a variety of nationally accredited comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare professionals for careers in teaching, coaching, recreation, respiratory therapy and radiography.

Undergraduate Programs:

Exercise and Movement Science

The Exercise and Movement Science program offers students two options: Pre-Professional and Health Studies with both options leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The Pre-Professional track is designed for students interested in pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physician assistant studies, and pre-chiropractic track structured to align with admission requirements in those areas. The Health Studies option is structured to prepare students for health-related graduate degrees, immediate employment in health education, health promotion, wellness, personal training, and sport performance.

Physical Education/Health

The physical education/health program provides career preparation for health and physical education teachers (K12) and coaches. Building on a science-based curriculum, students study human anatomy and physiology and then apply that knowledge to physical training and to the perfection of movement and performance in the upper division classes and laboratories of kinesiology, exercise physiology, perceptual motor development, adapted physical education and motor learning. Teaching and coaching methods are honed in elementary and secondary methods classes and supervised experiences in the schools. Opportunity for applied physiological research is inclusive of both the undergraduate and graduate students in the Exercise Science Laboratory.

Recreation & Leisure Studies

The Recreation and Leisure Studies (RLS) curriculum is one of 100 programs nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association in cooperation with the American Association of Leisure and Recreation. Students graduating from the program are immediately eligible to take the examination to become a Certified Recreation and Park Professional, a valuable credential for professional advancement.

Recognizing the diversity of careers in the leisure services field, the RES curriculum at Missouri State is unique in its flexibility and its personalization to the student's career goals. Fieldwork experience is an important aspect of the student's professional preparation. Each student is required to complete a 100-hour practicum and an internship of 400-600 hours.

Radiography

This academic program provides a Bachelor of Science degree for students interested in the medically based career of Radiography. Missouri State cooperates with area hospitals to provide a comprehensive academic program that contains professional training that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology sponsored by the American Medical Association. Students pursue this program by completing prerequisite courses at Missouri State and by completing academic and clinical requirements at an accredited school of radiologic technology.

Respiratory Therapy

Missouri State offers a completion program culminating with a Bachelor of Science degree for those seeking career enhancement in the field of respiratory therapy In addition to university coursework, students must complete a registry-level program at an accredited school of respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapists administer various types of breathing treatments and other pulmonary rehabilitation techniques, review and collect data, maintain respiratory equipment and maintain patient records. Individuals who want to assist others by combining personal interaction with technical skills are well suited to this profession.

Graduate Programs:

Physical Education/Health/Sports Management

Professional advancement opportunities and graduate course work for the physical educator is offered in the Master of Science in Education degree program. A Master of Science graduate program also is available in Health Promotion and Wellness Management for the professional interested in academic advancement in the health and wellness industry. In addition, a Sports Management Certificate program will be available for those interested in sports management positions.